Joseph Barbaro

Joseph Barbaro was born on February 24, 1939, in Reggio Calabria, Italy. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Giovanna, his children Santina (husband Paolo), Antonino (wife Cathy) , and Maria (husband Peter), his grandchildren Rosa (husband Shawn), Giovanna (husband Bret), Gino (wife Ashley), Giovanna (husband Jack),  Carmela (fiancé Joel), and Joseph, Christina, Mary and his great-grandsons Vincent and Michael and his great-granddaughters Lina and Juliana, his sister Domenica, brother Vince, brother Frank, and sister Carmela. 

He came to the United States in 1956 at age 17 with no job, money, formal education, and did not speak English.  He was a master marble, terrazzo, and tile mason for 17 years. He worked in the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and all of the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C.

In 1972, he opened a pizzeria in Camp Springs, Maryland called Regina Pizzeria (formerly Taormina Pizzeria) which became hugely successful in his 28 years of ownership. It was a pillar in the community, as he supported all the local High Schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, Air Force (and all other branches of the military), the Prince George’s County Fire Department, Police, Park Police, Sheriff’s Department and MD State Police. He was named an Honorary Sheriff of Prince George’s County in 1987. He was a friend to all Prince George’s County Executives and many Federal Executives.

In 1998 he went on to work at Pentagon City Costco, where he managed their largest food court on the East Coast and won numerous awards. He retired in 2012 at age 73. He was a successful restauranteur and real estate entrepreneur. He was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and touched the lives of all those around him. He never refused anyone who needed help and gave his all to his family.  He was a true champion among men. We know that he walks with Jesus now.